Fastest motorcycle in the Cruiser category: Indian Sport Chief

The fastest motorcycle in the cruiser category was presented by Indian Motorcycle last week. The Indian Sport Chief comes loaded with performance parts and has a long list of accessories. The real question is: does it have what it takes to be the Low Rider S slayer? Let’s see what it brings to the table.

Components to be the fastest motorcycle ever

When looking at the new Sport Chief, it is clear that Indian Motorcycle had its eyes set on the crown of fastest motorcycle of the cruiser segment. To do so, they knew they had to focus on performance. Therefore, they took a Chief and packed it with a lot of goodies:

• KYB® inverted front forks – also featured on Indian Challenger models – which offer superior handling and riding performances.
• Brembo® dual-disc, four-piston, semi-floating caliper, radial-mounted brakes deliver an incredible amount of stopping power
• FOX® piggyback rear shocks increase travel to 100 mm and increases lean angle to 29.5 degrees, compared to other Indian Chief models.

At the heart of it all, a blacked-out Thunderstroke 116 capable of delivering 162 Nm of torque. Under the style compartment, a couple of elements set the Sport Chief apart from the rest of the Chief lineup:

• stylish new Quarter Fairing
• new moto-style bars with machined triple clamps and 152 mm risers
• mid-mount foot controls and a solo gunfighter seat

All items that put riders in a commanding, yet comfortable, riding position. That’s not all, the Sport Chief also features: sport cast wheels wrapped in Pirelli® Night Dragon tyres, a 15.1 litre fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual exhaust and LED lighting.

Needless to say, the result is a beast mode Indian Chief that takes the riding experience to another level.

Technology

To create the fastest motorcycle you do not only need power, you also need to put them horses down properly. Indian cleverly equipped the Sport Chief with three selectable riding modes: Sport, Standard and Tour. Indian Sport Chief is not only performances oriented, it has a set of features that take riding to a whole another level.

Ride-enhancing technology comes standard with Indian Motorcycle’s class-leading 101 mm touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND. Accessible via handlebar controls or the digital touchscreen display, riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.

Accessories

We said there was a list of accessories that could make everyone happy. Indian Motorcycle offers an array of accessories that enhance the new Sport Chief’s performance, comfort, or adds personal style.

Performance Accessories
For a smoother, more comfortable ride, Indian Chief riders can add Adjustable Piggyback Rear FOX® Shocks. Featuring 24 clicks via easy-to-operate twist knobs, riders can adjust compression and rebound damping to suit their riding needs.

The new Chief Pathfinder 146 mm Adaptive LED Headlight – available in chrome or black – features an innovative technology that monitors the motorcycle’s lean angle and delivers optimised illumination of the road ahead. With an industry first adaptive high-beam, lighting performance is superior to that of a standard headlight, projecting light a greater distance and spread in front of the motorcycle.

Style Accessories
Indian Chief riders looking to add personal style can select from a variety of Indian Motorcycle accessories. New 254 mm Moto Handlebar Risers not only add style but deliver a more comfortable reach. Low and Tall windscreen options are available for the Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing as well.

Comfort Accessories
For added comfort and improved ergonomics based off height, riders can add an Extended Reach or Reduced Reach Seat. For two-up riding, Indian Motorcycle offers the Chief Syndicate Seat and a Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, which complements the Sport Chief’s aggressive design.

Conclusions on the fastest motorcycle in the cruisers category

After giving a good hard look to this motorcycle and the catalogue of accessories, I can say that the package offered by Indian is really competitive and, with the right numbers, it can really become the Low Rider S slayer.

What do you think? Do you still prefer the Low Rider S or do you like this one better?
Let us know in the comments.